Authorities say the suspects were part of the Williamsburg Safety Patrol Unit, a local civilian watch group in the heavily Orthodox section of the neighborhood, and stopped Patterson while he was walking home.

The group claimed to be investigating neighbors’ reports that Patterson had damaged cars, but didn’t call police.

Even after the reports of vandalism proved to be unfounded, the group, which grew to about 15 members, surrounded Patterson, held him down and punched and kicked him, according to prosecutors.